New campaign launched to support domestic abuse victims in Sutton

Sutton Council launches campaign to help domestic abuse victims

A campaign aiming to help victims of domestic abuse across Sutton has been launched.

“Not Alone in Sutton”, started by Sutton Council, will look to raise awareness of the help that is available to victims via the launch of a new website.

The campaign was started on May 7, and comes as domestic violence accounted for more than a third (38 per cent) of all incidents involving violence with injury throughout 2017 – that’s 467 out of 1,242.

However, it’s believed these figures are much higher as a lot of incidents go unreported to authorities.

Cllr Ruth Dombey, the council’s leader, said: “We are launching this campaign today because tackling domestic abuse in all its forms is a priority, to ensure Sutton is a safer place for everyone.

“Together with our partner organisations, we aim to significantly reduce levels of domestic abuse in Sutton in the long-term.

“I very much hope this campaign encourages a wider discussion on how we all need to tackle domestic abuse, as it’s an issue which is both widespread and devastating.”

More than half of Sutton residents surveyed by the council say they wouldn’t know where to go if they needed help.

In addition, a similar number said they would be hesitant to reach out to authorities because of fear they might make things worse.

Cllr Jean Crossby, the council’s lead councillor for domestic abuse and former Mayor, is a survivor of abuse.

She said: “Domestic abuse today is affecting everyone. It can be you, a parent, your best friend, your siblings, your children or your grandchildren.

“It’s all age groups. The youngest victim I have known of is 16, the oldest victim was 85. Can you imagine how long that victim was abused [for]?

“I urge anyone who is affected by this to get help. We’ve got men, women and young people dying of domestic abuse and we all need to do more.”

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